Frame

ABSTRACT

A frame has a front surface and a rear surface. The front surface has a first central opening for displaying a picture. The front surface has a border portion about the first opening. The front surface has a second opening in the border portion. The rear surface has a recessed cavity extending toward the front surface. The second opening communicates with the cavity. An audio unit is disposed within the cavity. The audio unit contains a memory that stores, restores and provides a stored audio stimulation. The housing has a front surface and a rear surface. The audio unit further has an input device for communicating an audio stimulation to the memory. The input device includes an input switch on the rear surface for selectively activating the input device to store the audio stimulation in the memory. The audio unit further has an output device on the front surface for selectively playing the stored audio stimulation from the memory.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to a picture frame. More specifically, the present invention relates to a picture frame having an audio unit that provides audio stimulation.

[0003] 2. Discussion of the Related Art

[0004] For many years, people have toyed with the idea of incorporating audio systems in picture frames and the like for the purpose of providing the picture viewer with more than just visual gratification in seeing the picture. There are many devices currently on the market for storing a still picture, such as conventional picture frames. Device exists that store a picture and record and play audio stimulus to accompany the picture.

[0005] For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,857,191 discloses a picture frame in which a tape recorder has been mounted in the frame housing for reproducing “utterings” made by a person whose picture appears in the frame.

[0006] In now withdrawn U.S. Pat. No. 5,045,327, there is shown a digital recording and playback module system. Specifically, the '327 patent shows a recording center used to permanently record an audio message onto a playback module containing digital memory. The playback module can then be attached to one of several items including a picture to provide an audio component. The device disclosed in the '327 patent requires the use of a cumbersome and relatively complex recording center and does not provide a method for creating a self-contained, audio-enhanced picture that is reusable. Furthermore, the invention described in the '327 patent mandates that the recording take place at the time and location of the purchase. This eliminates any spontaneity associated with the recording. Further, the recording can become distorted over time due to the inevitable degradation of the audio signal.

[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 5,499,465 discloses a talking picture frame that includes a pressure sensitive switch for activating a playback and a recording system. The device disclosed in the '465 patent requires the use of a relatively complex grouping of components and is, therefore, expensive to manufacture.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] It is an object of the present invention to provide a picture frame that includes an audio unit that allows a person to selectively record and rerecord audio stimulus without the aid of a tape player.

[0009] It is also an object of the present invention to provide a picture frame with an audio unity where the recording switch is on the rear of the audio unit so that a person cannot accidentally activate the recording mechanism and record over a stored message.

[0010] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a picture frame with an audio unit where the storing, recording and playback elements of the audio unit are in a unitary device, whereby the manufacture of the invention is optimized.

[0011] These and other objects are achieved with a frame that has a front surface and a rear surface. The front surface has a first central opening for displaying a picture mounted between the front surface and the rear surface. The front surface has a border portion about the first opening. The front surface has at least a second opening in the border portion. The rear surface has a recessed cavity extending toward the front surface. The second opening communicates with the cavity. A audio unit is disposed within the cavity. The audio unit has a housing containing a memory that stores, restores and provides a stored audio stimulation. The housing has a front surface and a rear surface. The audio unit further has an input device for communicating an audio stimulation to the memory. The input device includes an input switch on the rear surface for selectively activating the input device. The audio unit further has an output device for selectively communicating the stored audio stimulation from the memory. The output device is on the front surface and is aligned with the second opening.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

[0012] The above and still further objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description of a specific embodiment therefor, especially when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein the reference figures are utilized to designate like components, and wherein:

[0013]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the frame in accordance with the present invention;

[0014]FIG. 2 is a perspective exploded view of the frame and audio unit in accordance with the present invention;

[0015]FIG. 3 is a rear view with the cover plate partially removed to reveal the audio unit of the frame in accordance with the present invention;

[0016]FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 4-4 of FIG. 3 and looking in the direction of the arrows; and

[0017]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the frame in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0018] Referring now to FIGS. 1-4, a display apparatus 10 for providing both visual and audio stimulation in accordance with the present invention is illustrated. Display apparatus 10 includes a frame 12 having a front surface 14 and a rear surface 16. Front surface 14 has a first central opening 18 for displaying a picture mounted between the front surface 14 and the rear surface 16. Preferably, central opening 18 is dimensioned to fit a standard rectangular photograph, known in the art, such as, for example, a 3″×5″ or a 4″×6″ photograph. Alternatively, central opening 18 can be sized to fit any two dimensional shaped photograph, such as a triangular or circular shaped photograph. Moreover, central opening can be in the shape of an animal, or a heart, or any aesthetically pleasing shape.

[0019] Front surface 14 has a border portion 20 about the first opening 18. The front surface 14 has at least a second opening 22 in border portion 20 and preferably a third opening 42 in border portion 20. Border portion 20 is dimensioned to be at least the size of the second opening 22 and third opening 42. However, the border portion 20 can be of any size. For example, border portion 20 can be sized to fit the words “Mommy and Daddy love you”.

[0020] Rear surface 16 has a recessed cavity 24 (see FIGS. 3 and 4) extending toward the front surface 14. Second opening 22 and third opening 42 each communicates with cavity 24. An audio unit 26 is disposed within cavity 24 (see FIGS. 2-4). Audio unit 26 is encased in a housing 28 containing a memory that stores, restores and provides a stored audio stimulation. The memory is preferably a solid state memory. Such audio stimulation is preferably in the form of a single voice pattern, such as a specific message provided by a friend or loved-one. However, such stimulation may be in the form of a situation, such as the sound of a family conversation. Moreover, such stimulation may be in the form or a running car, train, airplane or other like device.

[0021] Housing 28 of audio unit 26 has a front surface 30 and a rear surface 32. Audio unit 26 further has an input device 40 for communicating the audio stimulation to the memory. Input device 40 is preferably a touch sensitive input switch on the rear surface 32 for selectively activating the input device. The input switch 40 is located on the rear surface 32 so that a user will not accidentally activate the input device when examining the front surface 14 of the frame 10. This configuration helps to preserve the previously stored audio stimulation. Input device also includes a light 36, such as, for example, an LED, to indicate when switch 40 is actuated to record a message in memory.

[0022] Audio unit 26 further includes an output device 38 in the form of a play switch 46 and a speaker 39 for selectively communicating the stored stimulation from the memory. Output device 38 is disposed on the front surface 30. Play switch 46 is aligned with third opening 42 when audio unit 26 is disposed in cavity 24. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 4, opening 42 is beveled to facilitate actuation of play switch 46 by an operator's finger. Speaker 39 is aligned with the second opening 22 when audio unit 26 is disposed in cavity 24. Thus, speaker 39 is accessible through the second opening 22 in the front surface 18 so that its output can be easily heard by an operator. The exposed play switch 46 allows a user, such as a child, to play the stored message as often as the child desires.

[0023] In the preferred embodiment, the input device includes a record switch 40, a microphone 34, and an indicating light 36. The output device includes a playback switch 46, and a speaker 39. In the preferred embodiment, speaker 39 and microphone 34 can be combined as a single, two-way device on front surface 30, as known in the art. However, it is to be appreciated that the speaker 39 and microphone 34 can be separate, one-way devices as currently illustrated.

[0024] Switch 41 is illustrated as being included on rear surface 32 for selectively controlling the output volume. Switch 41 may be a rotating motion device, such as a knob. Switch 41 may also be a linear motion device, such as a sound dimmer. Switch 41 may also be mounted on the front surface with its own access opening to permit easier adjustment of the volume.

[0025] A cover plate 48 is selectively connected to the rear surface to open and close recessed cavity 24. Cover plate 48 acts as a protective barrier to prevent a person from accidentally depressing the record switch 40, thereby inadvertently recording over the message stored in the memory. Plate 48 also protects the accidental activation of the record switch 40 should the frame 10 come in contact with a foreign object, such as by falling, whereby the record switch 40 would otherwise be accidentally depressed.

[0026] In use, a purchaser of the frame 10, such as the parents of a child, place a picture into the frame 10. For example, the parents place a picture of the child at a soccer league game. The parents then remove the cover plate 48 and grasp audio unit 26. When ready, the record switch 40 is activated, as indicated by LED 36, so as to record a desired message appropriate to match the picture placed into the frame 10. The parents then replace the audio unit 26 within cavity 24, and then replace cover plate 48 to secure audio unit 26 in place. Thus, the message is preserved for as long as actually desired by the parents, the child or the recipient of the frame. The operator can listen to the recorded message by selectively engaging the play switch 46 as often as desired. This configuration, due to the cover plate 48, allows the operator to realize and relive an enjoyable moment, and gives confidence to the operator that a carefully constructed message, or a spontaneous message, is not accidentally lost.

[0027] Referring now to FIG. 5, an alternative embodiment of the frame 10′ is illustrated. Frame 10′ includes a base 50 for receiving a plate 52. In addition, the frame may include a baseball and bat display for holding a picture frame 54. Frame 54 is similar to frame 10′ except that the audio unit is mounted at the bottom of the frame in the margin portion as opposed to the upper left side. Otherwise, the remaining components of the frame are identical to the frame disclosed above and illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, and, therefore, for the sake of brevity will not be discussed further. Thus, the margin portion of frame 54 includes a second opening 22′ and a third opening 42′ that are aligned with the speaker and play button of the audio unit.

[0028] Thus, while there have been shown, described, and pointed out fundamental novel features of the invention as applied to a preferred embodiment thereof, it will be understood that various omissions, substitutions, and changes in the form and details of the devices illustrated, and in their operation, may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, it is expressly intended that all combinations of those elements and/or steps which perform substantially the same function, in substantially the same way, to achieve the same results are within the scope of the invention. Substitutions of elements from one described embodiment to another are also fully intended and contemplated. It is also to be understood that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, but that they are merely conceptual in nature. It is the intention, therefore, to be limited only as indicated by the scope of the claims appended hereto. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A display apparatus for providing both visual and audio stimulation comprising: a frame having a front surface and a rear surface, said front surface having a first central opening for displaying a picture mounted between the front surface and the rear surface, said front surface having a border portion about said first opening, said front surface having at least a second opening in said border portion, said rear surface having a recessed cavity extending toward said front surface, said second opening communicating with said cavity; a unitary audio unit disposed within said cavity, said unitary audio unit having a housing containing a memory that stores, restores and provides a stored audio stimulation, said housing having a front surface and a rear surface, said unitary audio unit further having an input device for communicating an audio stimulation to said memory, said input device including an input switch on said rear surface for selectively activating the input device, said unitary audio unit further having an output device for selectively communicating the stored audio stimulation from said memory, said output device being on said front surface and aligned with said second opening.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said output device is accessible through said second opening in said front surface.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said input device includes at least one microphone and a record switch.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said output device includes at least one speaker.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said input device includes a touch sensitive button.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, further including a switch for selectively controlling the output volume.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein said switch is a rotating motion device.
 8. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein said switch is a linear motion device.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a third opening in said border portion.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said input device includes at least one microphone and a record switch.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein said at least one speaker is accessible through said second opening in said front surface, and said play switch is accessible through said third opening in said front surface.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11, further comprising a cover plate connected to said rear surface closing said recessed cavity.
 13. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a cover plate connected to said rear surface closing said recessed cavity. 